Adhyaya 76

हिन्दी अर्थ

ऋ!।ष्गण बोलें--सुकृतात्माओं में श्रेष्ठ पव्र ! आपने जो यह '“नीलकण्ठ” शब्द का उच्चारण किया तह श्रोतृ॒मिच्छामस्त्वत्प्रसादात्प्रभझ्जन । नीलता येन कण्ठस्य कारणेनास्बिकापते: ३११

English

Pitfs worshipped even once become delighted. They are imperishable Yogic souls. They are noble souls of great power and free from sins and evils. O gentle ones, I shall recount the holy lakes, rivers, sacred spots, places of pilgrimage, mountains and hermitages for performing Sraddha, at which Pitrs bless him (the performer) with fulfilment of desire for profuse riches (in this world), attainment of heaven after death and liberation from Samsara in due course. The mountain Amarakantaka 2 is the holiest and the most excellent in the three worlds. It is a sacred mountain resorted to by Siddhas and Caranas. Formerly, holy lord Angiras performed very severe penance (difficult for others to do) on it, for thousands of years, say, millions and crores of years. As long as the earth holds (lasts), the god of death, Due to their association with the founders of faith or with some great persons or events certain places have been regarded holy by all peoples of the world, e.g. Mecca by Muslims, Jerusalem by Christians, Bodha Gaya by Buddhists. These holy places have a deep psychological effect on religious-minded persons. Sraddha is to be performed in one's own house. But as K.P. II. 22.17 states, holy places arc the common property of all and not of a particular person. A list of such holy places is recommended in different Puranas like KP. II. 20-32-36, Mt, P. Ch. 22, Bd. 3.13. There is some divergence in the lists but there is a great deal of overlapping as a number of holy places like Prayaga, Varanasi, Gaya, Puskara are deeply respected by all Hindus.

हिन्दी अर्थ

तत्नापि तेईस्ति सद्भावः सबंगस्त्वं सदाइनिल । नान्‍यः स्वंगतो देवस्त्वदृतेईस्ति समीरण

English

That excellent mountain shines with brilliance and renown, just as Samvartaka fire (Fire at the time of the annihila¬ tion of the world) blazes on the peak of mount Malyavan. The Kusa (growing there) is famous as soft, sweet¬ smelling, pleasing to the eyes and golden-coloured. They are well known as 'calm and quiet' Darbhas. Drinking the waters* of Narmada to the south of it, the holy lord Angiras of great brilliance formerly performed Agnihotra after spreading those excellent Kusas round the altar and he saw the steps leading to the heaven. I shall recount the benefit attained by that intelligent man who offers Pindas even once, on the Darbhas on the mountain Amarakantaka. That Sraddha becomes everlasting, increasing the pleasure of Pitps. On reaching that holy centre, they vanish for ever. Even today the holy " Jvalarasa " is seen there every¬ where. The river thereof (called Visalya—a branch of Narmada) makes all living beings free from darts and thorns (sins and miseries).

हिन्दी अर्थ

एष वे जोवलोकस्ते प्रत्यक्ष: सबंतोडनिल । वेत्थ वाचर्स्पात देव॑ मनोनायकसोश्वरम् प्रत्युवाच महातेजा वायुलॉकनमस्कृतः ..

English

To the south-east of that excellent mountain, there is a tank with a whirlpool in that part contiguous to the land of Kalinga. O excellent sages, there. is that great holy centre Siddhaksetra which increases the delight of Pitrs. It is the greatest on the earth, approved of by both Devas and Daityas. Usanashas sung a verse on it. "Blessed are those men in the world who being devoted to Pitrs propitiate them in Sraddha after reaching Amara¬ kantaka. There is no doubt in this that they will attain Siddhi with very little penance. If they are worshipped even once on Amarakantaka, Pitrs attain Heaven". On the beautiful Mahendra 1 mountain, there is a holy centre resorted to by Sakra. If one mounts it, Pitrs are delighted. The Sraddha (if performed) there, yields great fruit. If one practises Yoga on its lower peak named Bilva (Vailata in Bd.P.), one gets divine vision. I-Ie becomes invisible to all living beings and roams over the earth like a Deva.

हिन्दी अर्थ

पुरा कृतयुगे विप्रो वेदनिर्णपतत्पर: । वसिष्ठो नाम धर्मात्मा मानसो वे प्रजापते:

English

If a man takes his holy ablution in the Saptagodavara 2 and in the penance grove Gokarna 3, he attains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice. A man becomes sanctified after taking his holy dip in Dhutapapa. 4 Rudra, Mahesvara, the lord of Devas, performed a penance there. In the holy place Gokarna, a proof has been cited by Brahmanas for (convincing?) the atheists. If a non-Brahmana recites the Gayatrl mantra, he perishes. Those who regularly ascend the peak, the abode of Devas and sages, resorted to by Siddhas and Caranas, attain heaven. Since the place is embellished with divine sandal¬ wood and other trees and since the water mixed with the flavour of sandal flows continuously, a river named Tamraparni 5 originates from them. It slowly winds its way to the southern

हिन्दी अर्थ

पप्रच्छ कार्तिकेयं वे मयूरवरवाहनम् । महिषासुरनारोणां नयनाञ्जनतस्करम् महासेन महात्मानं मेघस्तनितनिस्वनम् । उमामनःप्रहषण बालक छद्मरूपिणम्

English

Although this name is applied to the mountain range from Orissa to Madura, here it is specially applied to the range of hills separating Mahanadi from Ganjam District. It is regarded as the resort of Parasurama. A tributary of Gaiiga near Varanasi. The waters of that river in confluence with the great ocean become conchs, pearls and pearl-like conchs. People bringing its waters containing conchs and pearls, become free from mental agonies and physical ailments and go to the heavenly city of Amaravatl. According to Sruti (Veda), the charitable gift of sandal, conchs and pearls enables Pitrs to cross (hell) even

हिन्दी अर्थ

है, यह पविन्नात्माओं के लिये पुण्य-जनक और परम गुह्य है। यह कथा हम आपकी कृपा से सुनता चाहते हैं कि अम्बिकापति महादेव का कण्ठ किस कारण नील वर्ण का हुआ है यह कथा हम विदशेषकूप से आपके मुंह से सुनना चाहते हैं क्योंकि वायु द्वारा प्रेरित होने पर ही वचनों के उच्चारण में सा्थंकता आती है। वाबु ! वर्ण स्थान में जब आप जाते हैं, तब शब्दों का उच्चारण होता है। आपसे ही पहले ज्ञान उत्साह और प्रवृत्ति

English

So also is the case of Candratlrtha, (Kanya) Kumari, the peiennial source of Kaverl, the holy centres of Silparvata 1, the mountain Vaikrta, and the mountain Osiraparvata where the trees Palasa, Kliadira, Bilva, Plaksa, Asvattha and Vikankata are seen growing in one place. (The people taking ablutions and performing holy rites there attain heaven.) O excellent Brahmanas, this zone of holy centres is sacrifice-worthy and is conducive to great achievements. A person who casts his mortal coil here, quickly reaches the heavenly city of Amaravatl. Holy rites performed by oneself fructify in the subse¬ quent birth. Rites of Pitrs (though) performed with defects become as beneficial as duly performed rites. The holy river Narmada, the most excellent of all rivers, is the daughter of Pitrs. Sraddhas offered there, become everlasting (in yielding benefits). In the holy forest of Mathara, resorted to by Siddhas and Caranas, they do not vanish because they are attached to that great mountain.

हिन्दी अर्थ

उत्पन्न होती है ।१०-१३॥ शरीर से आपके निकल जाने पर वर्णों का उच्चारण समाप्त हो जाता है, बचन नहीं निकलते और क्‍या कहा जाय, देह धारण करना भी कठिन हो जाता है। अनिल ! आपका सबसे सद्भाव है । आपकी सर्वत्र गति है। समीरण, आपके अतिरिक्त और कोई भी देवता सत्र गमन करने वाले नही हैं । अनिल ! यह जीवलोक आपका प्रत्यक्ष करता है, आपकी मन का नाथक, ईश्वर और बाचस्पति देव समझता है। है वायु ! आप बतावें कि, किस प्रकार नीलकण्ठ के कण्ठ में विकार उत्पन्न हुआ ? ।१४-१७। पविन्रात्मा ऋषियों के वचन को सुनकर लोक-पूज्य और महातैजस्वी वायु बोले--ब्राह्मणो ! पहले कृतयुग में प्रजापति के मानस पुत्र विद्वान और घर्मात्मा वशिष्ठ नाम के ब्राह्मण थे। उस्होंने भक्तिपृबंक कारतिकेय से पूछा । कातिकेय का मंयूर उत्तम वाहन है, वे भहिषासुर की स्त्रियों के नयनों से काजल हर लाये हैं, वे उमा के

English

There is a proof (test) for discrimination between the pious and the impious on the holy mountain of Vindhya. Sinners do not see the current (waterfall?) Good men see the current. The sins of some sinners are seen in its current. Us- Srisailam in Kurnool District in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the twelve J yotirlingas. In KauSala there is the tank of Matanga named PapanisudinI (Remover of Sins). Even stray birds, flying as they please, go to heaven after bathing (casually) in that tank. (Ablution) in the Kumarakosala Tirtha on the mountain Palapanjara 1 and on the hanks of Pantfu near the sea, in the Pantfaraka forest, performance of good actions in the Abhaya Prabhava which is pure and sinless, daily visit to Srrvrksa, Grdhrakuta, and Jambumarga and in the holy centre of Asita, the intelligent preceptor of Yoga—performance of Sraddha (at these holy places)—gives everlasting benefits. Sraddha in Puskara 2 is ever-lasting. Penance there yields great fruits and the same is true of the holy centre Prabhasa 8 on the great ocean.

हिन्दी अर्थ

क्ोअजीवितह॒र्तारं पाबंतीहृदि नन्दनम् । वसिष्ठ: पृच्छते भवत्या कार्तिकेयं सहाबलम्

English

In Devika 4, there is a well named Vfsa resorted to by Siddhas. Its water always gushes up on hearing the sound of cows and bulls. It is always resorted to by masters of Yogas who are beyond all sorts of sins. I shall mention the benefit resulting from the performance of Sraddha therein. The Sraddha (there) yields all desires and is ever¬ lasting. It delights Pitjrs. There is a rock of Agni there called Jatavedahsila. He who enters the fire there rejoices in Palamaiijara in Bd.P. near Surparaka or Sopara near Bassein in Thana district of Maharashtra. There is no doubt in this that the sacrifices performed at the holy centres called Dasasvamedhika and Pancasvame- dhika yield the benefits as indicated (in their names, viz. fruits of ten horse-sacrifices and of five horse-sacrifices).

हिन्दी अर्थ

नमस्ते शरगर्भाय नमस्ते कृत्तिकासुत । नमो द्वादशनेत्राय षण्मुखाय नमोष्स्तु ते नमस्ते शक्तिहस्ताय दिव्यघण्टापताकिने । एवं स्तुत्वा महासेनं पप्रच्छ शिखिवाहनम्

English

The holy centre named Hayasiras is famous as granter of boon immediately. Sraddha performed there yields everlasting benefits. The devotee rejoices in heaven. Sraddha is said to be everlasting. So also are Japas, Homas and penances. One should always propitiate the Pitrsin the auspicious holy centre of Ajatunga. There the shadow of the heaven-dwel¬ lers is always seen on Parvan days. Whatever is given here becomes everlasting in the world. The Pantfavas became free from ailment here. It is always resorted to by masters of Yogas free from all sins. I shall mention the benefit of performance of Sraddha there. Pitrs worshipped there always become delighted. He who keeps his sense-organs under control in this world shall rejoice after death in heaven. The lake named Siva is the most excellent. Vyasa- saras and the divine lake Brahma-saras there are also holy.

हिन्दी अर्थ

एतदाप्ताय भक्ताय दान्‍्ताय बृहि पृच्छते । कथां सद्भलसंयुक्तां पवित्रां पापनाशिनीम् ॥

English

The mountain Ujjanta 1 of the noble soul Vasistha is also holy. Centres called Kapota, Puspasahvaya, (and those named after the Vedas) Rg, Yajus, Samanand (Atharva-) Siras have been created by god Brahma. After the creation of these the fifth Veda, viz. Puranas have been narrated by him. After going there a Brahmana becomes free from sin like the eternal Fire-god Agni. Sraddha, Japas, Homas and penances are of endless benefits. In Aparanta as per HD. IV. 815. If identified with Ujjayanta, it is Mt. Girnar—De 211; but it is not associated with Vasistha but with Datta and Neminatha. Hence identification in HD probable. In the great holy centre Pundarika, one attains the benefit (as sweet and fragrant) as lotus. One gets the fruit of a horse-sacrifice in the great holy centre of Brahma Tirtha (by performing Sraddha there). In the confluence of the Sindhu river and the ocean and in Pafcanada, the benefit is everlasting. Klrakatma 1 (in Bd. P. Viraja) and Mandava on the mountain are sacred spots (?)

हिन्दी अर्थ

पावत्या सह संबाद: सर्वस्य च महात्मनः । तदहं कीतंयिष्यामि त्वत्प्रियार्थ महासुने कलासशिखरे रम्ये नानाधातुविचित्रिते । तरुणादित्यसंकाशे तप्तचामीकरप्रभे. ३०

English

Sraddha has to be performed in the holy centre Saptahrada and particularly in Manasa. 2 On the mountains of Mahakuta, Vanda and Trikakuda also (Sraddha should be performed). In MahavedI (Mahanadi in Bd. P.) a great miracle is seen. It does not appear to one who has no faith (but).it does appear to a person who is firm in his religious vows. The eternal rock of Agni himself is there. It is called Jatavedahsila. Sraddhas and holy rites in the fire performed there, have never-ending benefits. Going there everyday in the evening, one who seeks never-ending benefits should always offer Sraddha to Pitrs there. A man of purified mind or otherwise is known in the holy centre called Svargyamargaprada (that which shows the path leading to heaven). It grants boons immediately. Casting off their mutual enmity in it, the Seven Sages went to Even today signs of their extinct enmitv

हिन्दी अर्थ

मन को प्रसन्‍त करने के लिये छद्मरूपधारी बालक हैं, क्रॉंच के जीवन का हरण करने वाले, पार्वती के हृदय- ननन्‍्दन, महात्मा और सेनानायक हैं

English

Vairapi, but cirdpi 'garments* in'Bd. P. V. 2 3 61 i< Lake Manas-sarovar situated in Kailasa The (land) all over Kuruksetra* is especially an ex¬ cellent holy place of Sanatkumara, the noble-souled lord of the Yogic cult. It is glorified as yielding ever-lasting benefit if Pitrs are offered gingelly seeds (there). Sraddha performed in the residence of Dharmaraja is conducive to brilliance and it is never-ending (in yielding bene¬ fit). Sr add ha offered on the New Moon day in accordance with injunctions and in the proper order also yields never-ending benefits. Moreover, to those who are near about Kuruksetra it is particularly efficacious. A dutiful son who worships Pitrs there, becomes free from his indebtedness to them.

हिन्दी अर्थ

बशिषप्ठजी बोले--हरनन्दन ! आपको नमस्कार है। उमागर्भ ! अग्निगर्भ ! गंगागर्भ ! आपको नमस्कार है। दरगर्भ ! कृत्तिकानुत! आपको नमस्कार है। आपको छः मुख और बारह नेत्र हैं, आपको नमस्कार है । है शक्ति, पताका और दिव्य घंटा धारण करने वाले ! आपको नमस्कार है। इस प्रकार स्तुति कर उन्होंने मयूरवाहन सेनापति कार्तिकेय से पूछा । “यह जो शिवजी के कुन्द और इन्दू के सदृश उज्ज्वल कण्ठ में काजल की तरह शुभ नीलिमा दीख पड़ती है, यह क्‍या है? ।२२-२५। महाभाग ! इस पापनाशिनी मंगलमय पविन्न कथा को आप हमारे कल्याण के लिये विस्तार से कहें । हम आपके भक्त हैं, आपमें हमारी श्रद्धा है, अतः हम पूछ रहे हैं, महात्मा वशिष्ठ के वचन को सुनकर राक्षस सेना पर विजय पाने वाले महातैजस्वी कातिकेयजी बोले--बोलनेवालों में श्रेष्ठ पार्वती की गोद में बेठकर हमने

English

Sraddha should be performed with the repetition of Oriikara by persons who wish for ever-lasting benefit, at the following places: Vinasana, 1 2 on the Sarasvatl river, Plaksa- prasravana 3, Vyasatlrtha on the Sarasvatl and especially at Brahma Ksetra, everywhere on the (banks of) Ganga and on the excellent mountain Mainaka and at the source of Yamuna. One gets absolved of sins (thereby). The proof for the same is the excessively hot and extremely cold water there. (Yamuna) is Yama's sister and the daughter of Mar- tanda (the Sun-god). It is holy. Sraddha performed there is everlasting. It'was so glorified by Pitrs formerly. One taking ablutions in the lake Brahmanuga be¬ comes a Brahmana immediately. Sraddha, Japas, Homas and penances performed there are everlasting. Vasistha of great penance performed penance standing still like a stump. Even to-day trees are seen there studded with gems. The famous sacred place in Haryana—the country round Thaneswar. Some of the holy places, e.g. Vyasa-tlrtha or Dvaipayana Hrada are in this area. Sarasvati flowed through it. The spot in the sandy desert in Sirhind district where Sarasvati

हिन्दी अर्थ

जैसा सुना है, उसको हम कहते हैं, सुनिये । देवा धिदेव महादेव का पावंती के साथ जो संबाद है, उसे हम आपके कल्याण के लिये कह रहे हैं ।१६-२९। महामुनि ! नाना धातुओं से युक्त, चित्रमय, तरुण सूर्य की तरह प्रकाशवान्, तप्त सुवर्ण की तरह दीप्त, हीरा और स्फटिक की सीढ़ियों से युक्त, चित्रित शिलातल

English

The source of the river Sarasvatl in the hills of Sirmur in the Siwalik range of the Himalayas. There a weighing balance that indicates piety and impiety, is seen. People who get themselves weighed by Brah- manas in it derive excellent fruits. The daughter of Pitrs, the great Yogini, is famous by the name of Gandhakali. It is she who will give birth to the great Yogin, the noble souled Vyasa, who will divide the single Veda into four, who will be an intelligent great sage, the great scion of the family of Parasara and who is a fourth part of Brahma. There is the lake Acchodaka 1 from which she origina¬ ted as the river Acchoda. Again she (Gandhakali) was born of the womb of a fish at the instance of Varana 2. The place where she has a holy hermitage, is resorted to by meritorious persons. Sraddha offered there once, is said to be everlasting. If Sraddha is offered there even once, it causes the attainment of Yoga and Samadhi (Trance).

हिन्दी अर्थ

धनुचिद्नान्तर्गंतग्रन्थ: क. पुस्तके नास्ति ॥ नानादुमलताकीर्णे चक्रवाफोपशोभिते द ॥३ १ षट्पदोद्गीतबहुले धारासंपातनादिते । मत्तक्नौऊचमयूराणां नादेरुद्घष्टकन्दरे

English

He who offers Sraddha in Kuberatunga, Vyamocca and Vyasatlrtha is a holy Brahmana. The Sraddha yields ever¬ lasting benefits. In the north-eastern quarter there is Nandavedl. It is resorted to by Siddhas for ever. It is not visible to non-self- possessed souls. (Those who perform Sraddha there) do not return (i.e. they attain liberation from Samsara). In the holy centre Mahalaya, 3 the intelligent Maha- deva had imprinted his foot. It is a Siddhaksetra resorted to (by Siddhas). People who go there do not return (i.e. attain Moksa). (Partially defective) On (the peak called) Umatunga, in the shrine of the goddess (Uma) has performed penance standing on one foot for the period of a divine yuga, without taking any food 4. And the water (also) stood (for that period?). The same as Omkaranatha or Amaresvara in M.P. _Dc 117 One becomes sanctified by visiting Umatunga, Bhrgutunga, Brahmatunga, Mahalaya, Kadravati, Sandili and Vamana's cave. Sraddha performed there yields ever-lasting benefit. Japa, Homa and meditation—everything performed there becomes meritorious.

हिन्दी अर्थ

अप्सरोगणसंकीर्ण किनरेश्वोपशोभिते । जीवजोवकजातीनां वीरुज्िरुपशोभिते

English

By regularly visiting Sailaklrtipura, one attains all cherished desires. Like Devas he remains invisible to all living beings and roams in the earth. Sraddhas should be offered everyday by one who seeks everlasting benefits at the great holy centre of Kasyapa well known as Kalasarpi. Sraddha performed all round Salagrama 2 becomes ever-lasting. It is not directly visible to sinful persons, The place is forbidden to the evil-minded and the good ones are allowed entry, since the pure divine king of serpents dwelling in the holy lake accepts the Pintfa of thegood and not that of the bad. Even by the highly illuminated ser¬ pents, the food cannot be eaten (if offered by the bad). In these two holy centres, Dharma is directly seen. In Devadaruvana 3 too the same proof can be seen.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कोकिलारावमधुरे सिद्धच्चारणसेविते । सौरभेयी निनादाढ्ये मेघस्तनितनिस्वने विनायकभयोहिरने: कुञ्जरे्मक्तकन्दरे । वीणावादित्रनिर्धोषें: ओ्रोत्रेन्द्रियम नो रसे: ४३५ दोलालम्बितसंपाते वनितासंघसेविते । ध्वजेलंस्बितदोलानां घण्टानां निनदाकुले ४३६ मुखमर्दलवाबिद्रेबंलिनां स्फोटितेस्तथा । क्रीडारबविचाराणां निर्धोषः पूर्ण मन्दिरे

English

The sins shaken off are visible to the meritorious soul. InBhagirathi and Prayaga 4 (the Sraddha performed) is said to be of ever-lasting benefit. Near Vyasa's seat for dhyana and Kantipuri or ancient Kathmandu A place near the source of Gandak, the place where Sage Pulaha and Bharata performed penance. Its site is on Ganga near Kcdar in Garhwal; Badarikasrama is situated in this 'Vana'. Modern Allahabad, U.P. Sraddfaa should be offered with efforts at Kalanjara, 1 DaSarna, Naimisa, Kurujangala and the city of Varanasi.

हिन्दी अर्थ

हासेः संत्रासजनने विकरालसुखेस्तथा । देहगन्धेविचित्रेश्व प्रकीडितगणेश्वरेः

English

In that city, Yogesvara is present for ever. Hence what is offered there is ever-lasting. Offering Sraddhas in these holy places, one becomes sanctified. The Sraddha yields ever¬ lasting benefits. Penance, Homa, meditation, nay anything performed in Lauhitya, 2 Vaitaranx and SvarnavedI, becomes meritorious. Only once, is (Sraddha) seen (performed) near the sea-shore by men of meritorious actions. So also in Gaya, Dharmaprstha and in Brahma's lake. The Sraddha offered in Gaya and Grdhrakuta yields great benefit. Snow falls all round it upto a distance of five Yojanas (1 Yojana = 12 Kms.). The forest surrounding the her¬ mitage of Bharata is remembered as the most meritorious. The foot-print of Matanga is seen there with the physical eye. This spot is glorified as (conducive to) entire righte¬ ousness. It is an example for this world. Similarly the Panca- vana is very holy. It is resorted to by men of meritorious actions. The holy centre Panduvisala is also a ready example.

हिन्दी अर्थ

विडालवदनश्रोग्रे: क्रोष्टुकाकारमूर्तिभिः । हस्वेदीधें: कृशः स्थुलेलम्बोदरमहोदरेः ४० हस्वजड्घेश्व लम्बोष्ठस्तालजइूघेस्तथा परे: । गोकर्णरेककर्णेश्र महाकर्णेरकर्णके: ४१ बहुपाद मंहापादरेकपादे रपादक: । बहुशीर्षेम हा शोर्षे रेकशीर्षे रशीर्षक: से मनोहर, नाना धातुओं से जटित, दिव्य, सुवर्णमय, विविध दुम-लताओं से आउच्छादित, चक्रवाक से शोभित, भ्रमरों से गुंजित वृष्टि से निनादित, मतबाले क्रौंच और मयूरों के नाद से जिसकी कंदरा मुखरित हो रही है, अप्सराओं से व्याप्त, किन्‍्मरों से छ्योभित जीवंजीवक और जातिलतिकाओं से रमणीय, कोकिल की कुह-कुह ” से मधुर, सिद्ध+चारण से सेवित, नदी के निनाद से जिस कैलास का रमणीय शिखर मनिनादित

English

(Defective) The persons who perpetrate sins come to the surface (become exposed) by means of weighing balances, by its arcs 3 and by various scriptures when they get attached (visit) to that Tlrtha (?). Highly efficacious is the Sraddha offered at the silent (deep) great lake Pavamandala in the (river) Kausiki in the third quarter on the third Tithi (day). The places mentioned are identified as follows: It appears that sinners are supposed to be weighed in the balance. After performing a very severe penance for many celes¬ tial Yugas, the intelligent deity Mahadeva set foot on Mun<Ja- prstha. Within a very short time, a righteous man discards his sin quickly like a serpent casting off its slough.

हिन्दी अर्थ

हो रहा है। कहीं मेघ के गजंन से, कहीं गजवदन के भय से कन्दराओं को छोड़ हाथी चिंधाड़ रहे हैं और कहीं श्रवण-सुखद वीणा वादन का निर्धोष हो रहा है ।३०-३५॥ कहीं स्त्रियाँ हिडोले पर चढ़ी हुई हैं, जिनके संपात से ध्वजा में लटकने वाली घंटियाँ बज रही हैं। कहीं पहलवान मुंह बजा रहे हैं, कहीं ताल ठोंक रहे हैं। मन्दिरों में क्रीडा का मधुर रव हो रहा है। कहीं महादेव के गण हँस रहे हैं, जिससे उनके विकराल

English

Sraddha offered there is said to yield everlasting benefit. An excellent man becomes Tree from his three-fold indebtedness by taking his bath there. On the banks of that lake, there is a great shrine of the lord. After mounting up to it and performing Japas, one be¬ comes a Siddha and thereafter goes to heaven. After going to the northern Manasa, 1 one attains excellent Siddhi. On going to the excellent city 2, a very wonder¬ ful thing is seen. One should perform Sraddha there according to one's capacity and physical strength. He should attain divine pleasures and the means to liberation (from Sariisara) for ever. In the excellent Manasa lake, a very wonderful thing is seen. The highly blessed goddess Ganga of three-fold path, slipping dawn from heaven, shines in the sky. Falling off the lunar rays on to the earth, it appears like festoons in the sky with the brightness of the sun.

हिन्दी अर्थ

मुंह भयावह हो रहे हैं। उनकी देह से विचित्र गन्‍्ध निकल रही है, जिससे गणेश्वर क्रीड़ा कर रहे हैं (१६-३०। हीरा और स्फटिक की सीढ़ियों पर और चित्रित शिलातल पर बाघ, सिह, हाथी, घोड़ा, बिल्ली, सियार आदि की तरह मुंह वाले प्रथम गण बिराज रहे हैं। ऐसे स्थान पर छोटे, बड़े, दुबले, मोटे, लम्बे-बिशाल पेटवाले, छोटी जाँघवाले, लम्बे ओठ वाले, ताड़ के आकार की जाँघवाले, गोकर्णं, एक्रकर्ण, महाकर्ण, अकर्ण एवं अनेक पैरवाले, विशाल पैरवाले, एक पैरवाले, बिना पै रवाले, बिता सिरवाले,

English

It is diving with golden splendour. It is like the gate to heaven thrown wide open. It is from this place that it flows again towards the eastern ocean in its final stage. It sanctifies all living beings and particularly those who know righteousness. Candrabhaga (Chenab) and Can it be the Kara Kul of northern Pamirs as suggested by M. Ali (AGP )? The so-called Uttara Manasa at Gaya is an ordinary pond. No mention of any city is here in the context. Bd. P. ibid V. 117 reads Sarafreffhe 'inthat excellent lake*. There is the mountain named Himavan. It is embellished with various kinds of minerals. It is said that it ex¬ tends to eighty thousand Yojanas. It is crowded with Siddhas and Caranas. It is served and resorted to by Siddhas and Cara¬ cas. There is a PuskarinI (lake) on it, well known by the name Susumna. One who is born there lives upto ten thousand years. Sraddha offered thereyields ever-lasting benefits, and great pros¬ perity. The performer of Sraddhas enables ten previous genera¬ tions and ten succeeding ones to cross (hell).

हिन्दी अर्थ

+ इदमर्ध तास्ति ड. पुस्तके ।

English

Everything belonging to Himavan is holy. The Gahga is sacred everywhere (throughout). The ocean-going rivers and all the oceans all round are holy. A sensible man should perform Sraddha in all these places and at similar ones. Even by taking bath, he becomes sanctified. By offering (Sraddha*?) he becomes so (all the more). Sraddha can be performed in the following places: On the high summits and ridges of mountains, crevasses, in the solitary sides, springs and fountains, on the sandy banks of rivers, on the auspicious anniversaries of the beginning of Yugas, on great oceans, in cowpens, in the confluence of two rivers, in the forests, well-cleaned and scrubbed ground, pleasing fragrant spots, in solitary houses, on the ground polished with cow-dung, etc. One should perform Sraddha in these places in accordance with injunctions. Those who seek fulfilment, of all desires shall perform Sraddha in these places carefully. They should perform circumambulation in all the quarters. An intelligent man per- ormmg thus, shall attain the Siddhi of Brahmatva (Brahmahood). The worship of Pit r s becomes fruitful if anger etc. Even a person who has committed sins becomes sancti¬ fied if he boldly and faithfully makes the pilgrimage to the holy centres and courageously controls his senses. What need be said in regard to a person of meritorious deeds?

हिन्दी अर्थ

४२० द वायुपुराणम् देव्युवाच क्‍ भगवन्यूतभव्येश गोवृषाडितशासन । तव कष्ठे महादेव अ्राजते5स्बुदसंनिभम

English

He is not reborn in an animal womb. He is not born again in an impious land. A Brahmana attains heaven and at¬ tains the means to salvation (Moksa). These five do not attain the benefit of pilgrimage: those who have no faith, sinners, atheists, permanent doubters and those who always seek a cause (for everything). Great Siddhi is achieved in the holy centre of Guru (the preceptor). He is the most excellent of all sacred objects and spots. Meditation is a still greater Tirtha. It is the eternal Bra- hmatfrtha, 1 Meditation is greater than observance of fasts. It makes all the sense organs shun (their objects). Those who are wedded to observance of fasts are reborn again and again along with their vital breaths. One shall equalise Prana and Apana. One should res¬ train in mind objects and the sense organs and restrain the intellect in the mind. Then every sense-organ recedes. Understand that undoubtedly Pratyahara (the withdra¬ wal of all sense organs) is the sure means to salvation. Among the sense-organs, the mind is the most terrible. It makes the intellect and other organs function.

हिन्दी अर्थ

नात्युल्वर्ण नातिशुभ्र नीलाआअुजनचयोपममस् । किमिदं दीप्यते देव कण्ठे कामाइगनाशन

English

(The restlessness of the mind) is subdued by not taking food. Know that fasting is a penance. By restraining the intel¬ lect and the mind, the intellect is sublimated (the intellect be¬ comes beautiful). When all the sins are mitigated, when the sense organs are weakened (subdued) the pure soul attains bliss of libera¬ tion like fire without fuel. The influence of Yoga is so profound on the Purana writer that Yogic meditation is regarded superior to Tirthayatra (w. 128-131). The importance of feeding a Yogin at the time of Sraddhas has been already extolled in previous chapters. A knower of Yogas separates the individual soul from all manifest and unmanifest causes and Glows by means of his Yogic power. There is no place for him to go, whether manifest or unmanifest. He is neither Asat (non-existent) nor Sat-A sat. No¬ thing can be said of his existence.